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Powers & Duties of Notary 2026 Law Update

Regarding certificates of official character, which statement is NOT correct?

A

A county clerk may authenticate a notarial signature upon request and payment of the statutory fee.

B

A certificate of official character may be filed in another county clerk's office for broader authentication convenience.

C

A certificate of official character is issued only by the Secretary of State and never by a county clerk.

D

A county clerk authentication certificate may help make the instrument recordable or readable in evidence where needed.

Correct Answer

C. A certificate of official character is issued only by the Secretary of State and never by a county clerk.

AI Explanation

County clerks also issue official-character certificates. Executive Law §132 authorizes both the Secretary of State and the county clerk of the county where the commission is filed to certify the official character of a notary. Not to be confused with §133, which deals with certification of notarial signatures on particular instruments.

Powers & Duties of Notary Question #363
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